North Korea threatens Japan with 'fiery lightning'

North Korea issued a threat to Japan on Tuesday, warning that if it pursues its right to collective self-defense, "Japan should keep in mind that it could be first hit by a fiery lightning in case of conflict."

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, pictured in January 2014, is expected to deliver a speech on May 15, 2014 asserting Japan's right to collective self-defense. (UPI/Keizo Mori) | License Photo

PYONGYANG, North Korea, May 13 (UPI) -- North Korea threatened Japan with "fiery lightning" if Japan maintains its right to collective self-defense.

Japan's right to collective self-defense has been a topic of recent discussion between the U.S. and Japan.

In April, the White House published a joint statement with Japan asserting, in part, "The United States welcomes and supports Japan's consideration of the matter of exercising the right of collective self-defense."

The U.S. and Japan agreed they face "common security challenges," and resolved to strengthen and modernize their "security alliance."

Rodong Sinmun, the North's main newspaper, published a warning Tuesday that "Japan should keep in mind that it could be first hit by a fiery lightning in case of conflict."

The warning comes ahead of an expected press conference at which Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will reassert Japan's right to pursue collective self-defense.